Updated Feb 20, 2026
Details
Known For
Actor
Occupations
Musician, Television presenter, Screenwriter, Composer, Actor
Birthday
(Sunday)
Died
Birthplace
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Nationality
Citizenship
United States
Political Party
Republican Party
Languages
English
Spouses
Doris Rankin (1904-1923), Irene Fenwick (1923-1936)
Children
2 children
Parents
Maurice Barrymore, Georgiana Drew
Siblings
Ethel Barrymore, John Barrymore
Education
Episcopal Academy
Zodiac Sign
♉ Taurus
Chinese Zodiac
虎 Tiger
Name Origin
English < Latin (Leo)
Popularity
Tier B -- 35,838 Wikipedia views/month
DROPTHE_ GOSSIP
Harry Carey →
Career
Career spanning 92 years (1911-2003)
Notable
Career spanning 92 years (1911-2003) -- among the longest-active actors in A-tier
Zodiac
Born in the Year of the Tiger
DROPTHE GOOD_
16
Notable
out of 100
Most people on Earth score 0. Only those with measurable positive impact appear on this scale.
Human Impact
0
Innovation
0
Giving
0
Sustainability
100
Cultural Uplift
60
Public Vote
★
★
★
★
★
Be the first to vote
Filmography (50)
AWARDS (3)
G
Academy Award for Best Actor
1931
WON
G
Academy Awards
Academy Award for Best Actor
1931
WON
B
star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
WON
Biography
Lionel Barrymore (born Lionel Herbert Blythe; April 28, 1878 – November 15, 1954) was an American actor of stage, screen and radio as well as a film director. He won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in A Free Soul (1931), and remains best known to modern audiences for the role of villainous Mr. Potter in Frank Capra's 1946 film It's a Wonderful Life. He is also particularly remembered as Ebenezer Scrooge in annual broadcasts of A Christmas Carol during his last two decades. He is also known for playing Dr. Leonard Gillespie in MGM's nine Dr. Kildare films, a role he reprised in a further six films focusing solely on Gillespie and in a radio series entitled The Story of Dr. Kildare. He was a member of the theatrical Barrymore family.
Connections (6)
Related People
Frequently Asked Questions
How old was Lionel Barrymore?
Lionel Barrymore was born on and passed away on at the age of 76.
Where was Lionel Barrymore born?
Lionel Barrymore was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
What movies or shows has Lionel Barrymore been in?
Lionel Barrymore has 50 credits in our database. Notable titles include The Mesmerist (2003), Lone Star (1952), Right Cross (1950), Down to the Sea in Ships (1949), Malaya (1949).
What is Lionel Barrymore known for?
Lionel Barrymore is primarily known as an actor. Lionel Barrymore (born Lionel Herbert Blythe; April 28, 1878 – November 15, 1954) was an American actor of stage, screen and radio as well as…
Where can I find more information about Lionel Barrymore?
You can find more about Lionel Barrymore on IMDB, TMDB, Wikidata. Their full profile and filmography is available on this page.
